06/14/2025
A groundbreaking study from Sweden’s Linköping University has confirmed what dog lovers have long suspected: the bond between dogs and humans is deeply biological. The key? Oxytocin — the hormone responsible for love and trust.
As wolves evolved into domesticated companions over thousands of years, dogs became genetically tuned to this hormone. Those with specific oxytocin receptor variants are more likely to seek human help, show affection, and thrive in modern environments.
But today, scientists say we’re entering a third wave of domestication — one shaped not by survival or status, but by empathy and adaptability.
Modern service dogs are at the forefront of this transformation. Unlike their ancestors bred for guarding or herding, these dogs are biologically and behaviorally wired to be calm, social, and deeply attuned to humans — even from puppyhood.
This new evolution is reshaping canine genetics in real time. As our cities grow and lifestyles change, so too must our dogs — not just in behavior, but in biology.
➡️ The future of dogs isn’t just about how they look. It’s about how they feel.
